Holy Thursday

Jesus…rose from supper, laid aside his garments,and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured waterinto a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet,and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded…“I have given you an example, that you alsoshould do as I have done to you.” Jn 13:4-5, 15

In his account of the Last Supper, rather than recording the Institution of
the Eucharist, John the Evangelist shares the story of Jesus washing feet.
John uses words charged with meaning for the early Christian community,
words central to what he believes reveal the heart of Jesus’ mission.

It has always intrigued me that the Church chooses this Gospel for the Holy
Thursday celebration. In the statement, “Do as I have done to you,” are we
meant to hear, “Do this in memory of me”?

John speaks of what is at the center of everything in one, ordinary action.
Just as Jesus is present in the Eucharist, so is He present in the neighbor
whose feet need washing, in the hungry child crying for a caring hand, in the
refugee seeking safety, in the homeless man looking for shelter, in the prisoner
hoping for compassion, in the immigrant family hoping for welcome.
Am I willing to wash feet?

Prayer

Jesus, present in the Eucharist as the Bread of Life, and present
in each one in need as the Suffering Christ, strengthen me in
faith, in hope, and in love for You, wherever I find you. May I
be strong in faith, persistent in hope, and courageous in love.
Amen.